A local man is in custody following the armed robbery of Bank of America Wednesday morning in Mansfield.

Police apprehended George Engelhart, 51, of 2904 Francis Ave., shortly after he allegedly robbed the bank at 355 North Main St.

Police received a 911 call from the bank reporting an armed robbery at about 9:48 a.m. April 9. A handgun was shown and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash, police said.

The suspect was described as a male wearing a scarf over his face, winter hat, gloves, black pants and a red jacket and he was reported to have fled on foot toward the bank parking lot.

Sgt. Brian Thibault immediately responded to the area and observed two men on the corner of North Main and Crocker streets.

One male was an employee of Liberty Tax, dressed in a Statue of Liberty costume, working on the corner and a second man was standing next to him. The two were not acquainted, Executive Lt. Sam Thompson said.

Thibault spoke to the men and indicated that the bank had been robbed and asked if they had seen anyone running from the area. The second man, Engelhart, indicated that he saw someone running northbound on North Main Street.

Thibault asked for his identification for the investigation, Thompson said. When Engelhart began backing up and reached, possibly for his wallet, Thibault observed a large amount of loose and banded cash fall to the ground from his waistband, Thompson said.

Engelhart was asked where the cash came from and he stated he found it, police said.

Thibault grabbed Engelhart’s arm and Det. John Armstrong arrived on scene and assisted Thibault in placing Engelhart in custody.

A black semi-automatic pistol, determined to be a pellet gun, with a red tip painted over black, was located in Engelhart’s waistband. The suspect’s clothing was located in a dumpster at the rear of the bank, police said.

Engelhart has been charged with armed robbery while masked, assault with a dangerous weapon, disorderly person, resisting arrest and other charges pending further investigation.

Thompson said it was a good outcome, catching a suspect within minutes of a robbery taking place.